Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge protects one of the best natural landscapes in Virginia Beach: barrier dunes, maritime forest, freshwater marsh, beach, and open water south of the resort strip. It is a major stop for migratory birds and a reminder that the Atlantic coast here is not only boardwalk and hotels.
Trails, beach access, and seasonal wildlife viewing make it worth the drive toward Sandbridge. The refuge also connects naturally with False Cape State Park, so active visitors can turn a short nature stop into a much longer walk or bike ride through one of the least developed stretches of the local coast.